The Dragonrider Bow is a high-power bow that is perfect for players with high strength. It has the second highest strength scaling of any ranged weapon available, losing only to the Twin-headed Greatbow.

On top of its physical damage, it also has an appreciable amount of Magic damage and can deal exceptional damage if a Magicinfusion is applied to it. On top of the high magic damage, the physical damage penalty is much lower than most weapons.

However, it consumes much more stamina than other bows, making it less effective if multiple arrows have to be shot in quick succession. At three units, it is also the heaviest bow available.

The Dragonrider Bow's high damage potential can even make it deal more damage-per-shot than some greatbows, for less than a quarter of the weight.

Due to its high stamina consumption per shot, usually no more than two or three arrows can be shot in succession. The time taken from the moment the string is being tensed to when the arrow is launched is considerably longer compared to most other bows in the game; however, because of the high amount of damage dealt, most enemies will fall in just two or three shots.

The player must think it well before deciding to infuse this bow with Magic in an attempt to maximize the weapon's innate magical damage output, since many of the enemies in the game which use ranged attacks are magic-wielders who have a natural resistance against this element (Hollow Mages, Shrine Maidens, Sanctum Priestesses, Fume Sorcerers, etc.), making the infusion actually unfavorable to fight against them, as it will deal less damage to them. Other enemies will receive more damage but just slightly, which may not make it worth infusing this weapon after all.